property overview

With its chic lobby furnished with velvet sofas, mirrored walls and muted lighting, the Porto Palácio Congress Hotel & Spa sets a tone of contemporary luxury. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Porto is a maze of historic cathedrals, parks and esplanades on the banks of the Douro River, and the hotel towers over it with a 360-degree vista. The rooftop VIP lounge offers spectacular views of Porto, and the five restaurants cater to all tastes with informal bites, regional fare and gourmet indulgences created by Hélio Loureiro, who is head chef of the Portuguese national football team. Guests can keep fit at the state-of-the-art 3,200-square-meter fitness club or take advantage of this pedestrian-friendly city and walk to the many historic sites. A hairdresser and beauty lab for adults and a Kids club for young guests.
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electricity

351

country dialing code

GMT 00

time zone

Reviews from Leaders Club Members

"Porto Palacio is a true Leading Hotel and does an amazing job in terms of Leaders Club recognition. Staff is genuinely welcoming and makes one feel at home. Chic, elegant, comfortable, proper, in the heart of the modern side of Porto. The hotel is a short taxi ride away from the historical centre and Foz, adding a good deal of seclusion after a long day sightseeing. Excellent food, impeccable breakfast, with first class service in the VIP Lounge which commands panoramic views of the city. Extremely comfortable bed and amazing bathroom. Could not be happier with my choice and I would love to return."

Awards & Accolades

We Recommend

Top Architecture Find

Casa da Música

An octagonal concert hall designed by Rem Koolhaas and finished in 2005 has become the iconic building of Porto. www.casadamusica.com.

Best Restaurant for a Celebration

DOP

This restaurant, opened in 2007, is located in a renovated convent and run by Portuguese chef Rui Paula. Try the Mini Gourmet Burger and the Chocolate Forest. (+351-22) 20-14-313; www.ruipaula.com.

Best Cultural Secret

Lello Bookstore

This bookstore, built in 1906, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Known for its magnificent façade, stained glass ceiling and decorative stairway, it's worth a stop even if you are a Kindle addict. www.lelloprologolivreiro.com.sapo.pt.

Best Restaurant Classic

Pedro Lemos Restaurant

A well-kept secret, this hidden restaurant has classical decoration and fine local cuisine. Order the tasting menu with five courses, including dishes with Portuguese sausage and rich codfish. (+351-22) 01-15-986; www.pedrolemos.net.

Three Top Sights

Porto Ribeira; Sao Francisco Church; Sao Bento Train Station

UNESCO-designated Porto Ribeira is a great place to see typical “Rabelo” boats on the river; the inside of the Gothic Sao Francisco Church is covered in golden leaf (www.360portugal.com); the Sao Bento Train Station is spectacularly lined with blue Portuguese tiles (Praça Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto).

Best View

Serra do Pilar

The 17th-century circular monastery offers views of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated city and the Douro River. (+351-22) 37-95-385.

Museum Must-See

Serralves

A contemporary art museum built by the Pritzker prize-winning Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza, the space also has beautiful gardens. www.serralves.pt.

Best Cocktail with a View

Shis

Enjoy a Tonic Port (white Port wine mixed with tonic and a lemon slice) on this modern terrace with stunning views over the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. (+351-22) 61-89-593; www.shisrestaurante.com.